Latest news with #ZainTECH
Kuwait Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Zain Group Q1 net profit soars 66% YoY to $157m; revenue grows 15% to $1.74bn
Al-Kharafi: A remarkable Q1 2025 with solid operational performance and revenue growth KUWAIT: Zain Group, a leading provider of innovative ICT and digital lifestyle communications operating in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, announces its consolidated financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, with the customer base increasing 20 percent to reach 50.7 million customers. Zain Group recorded impressive revenue growth of 15 percent to reach KD 536 million ($1.74 billion) for Q1 2025. EBITDA for the quarter jumped 15 percent to reach KD 171 million ($554 million), reflecting an EBITDA margin of 32 percent. Net income for the quarter soared 66 percent to reach KD 48.5 million ($157 million), reflecting an Earnings Per Share of 11 fils ($0.04). Key operational notes for Q1 2025 Group revenue grew 15 percent YoY, driven by strong performance across main operations including Sudan (+112 percent), Iraq (+13 percent), Bahrain(+8 percent), Jordan (+7 percent), and KSA (+6 percent) customer base soared20 percent with continual restoration and expansion of network in Sudan, as well as strong growth in Iraq, KSA and other markets revenue grew 6 percent to reach $633million, representing 36 percent of the Group's overall revenue the quarter, Zain Group invested $242 million in CAPEX, reflecting 14 percent of revenues KSA, Bahrain, and Jordan continue to grow their 5G customer base services (Bede in Kuwait and Bahrain; Tamam in KSA and Zain Cash) witnessed revenue growth of30 percent, transaction value increased 25 percent to reach $1.7 billion enterprise revenue witnessed16 percent growth as ZainTECH and B2B teams in key markets secure multiple deals with businesses and governments, ZainTECH revenue soared 184 percent YoY digital services witnessed revenue growth of 2 percent, driven by increase in Kuwait and Sudan Omantel International (ZOI) wholesale carrier achieved exceptional revenue growth of 371 percent YoY base and revenue continue to grow for Zain's digital operator, Yaqoot in KSA and Oodiin Iraq of Global M2M offering to accelerate proliferation of connected devices across region brand valuation up 14.5 percent YoY, to reach a milestone of $3.5 billion, the highest in Kuwait Osamah Al-Furaih, Chairman of the Board said, 'With the introduction of the '4WARD-Progress with Purpose' five-year corporate strategy, the Board will work closely with Executive Management in driving continuity, acceleration, collaboration and digital innovation across all our operations to take Zain to new heights and increase shareholder value. We look forward to expanding our ESG initiatives in providing meaningful connectivity and continuing our positive relationships with regulatory bodies and all stakeholders as we implement '4WARD' to the benefit of customers, communities, and government bodies we proudly serve.' Bader Al-Kharafi, Zain Vice-Chairman and Group CEO commented, 'It was a remarkable first quarter with solid operational performance and revenue growth across key markets, and this bodes well for rest of year as we expect this trajectory to continue, driving shareholder value. Our focus on investing in network upgrades, new technologies and monetizing our 5G and ICT services for both our individual and enterprise customers, coupled with accelerating the growth of several new business verticals, have positively impacted our financial metrics on all levels. So are our operational synergies, cost optimization and digital transformation initiatives in offering customers better services.' 'Our key operations in Kuwait, KSA, Jordan, and Bahrain performed well in line with expectations, despite strong competition and other local challenges. Notably, in Sudan the network restoration efforts have reconnected over 5.8 million customers leading to exceptional operational performance, despite the ongoing geo-political issues. The World Bank is optimistic about Sudan's economic outlook, provided the current conflict eases, which supports our confidence for continued improvement in the coming quarters.' 'The success of our recent AGM, which achieved a distinct quorum of 79.2 percent, witnessed the approval of the Board's recommendation to renew the minimum annual cash dividend policy of 35fils per share for another three years, extending it through to 2028. This marks a clear reaffirmation of Zain's long-term commitment to sustainable and consistent shareholder returns, as well as confidence in business's prospects.' 'Our performance in this quarter was significantly boosted by the expanding impact of our growth verticals, ZOI wholesale, ZainTECH, Dizlee API entertainment platform, and fintech services across our footprint which when combined delivered $191 million in revenue in the first quarter alone, representing a noteworthy 185 percent YoY growth from $67 million in Q1'2024, and now contributing 11 percent to Group total revenue.' 'As the leading 5G provider across the region in regard to footprint, our 5G customer base, both individuals and enterprises in Kuwait, KSA, Bahrain, and Jordan are truly benefiting from the appealing digital technologies and services we offer in enhancing their data experience, and this is driving both revenue and customer growth.' 'Our fintech's growth in revenue and customer base, witnessed increase in transaction volumes across Kuwait, KSA, Jordan, and Bahrain. Recently, in Sudan we launched the Bede brand, a key milestone in our regional rollout. In Kuwait, we look forward to receiving Central Bank approvals to expand our fintech offerings to cater for consumers and businesses. We will continue to foster fintech, expecting this growth trajectory to continue.' 'Zain Omantel International (ZOI) exceptional performance was a result of major capacity deals in Data and Connectivity, a significant growth in voice traffic volumes, as well as expansion in partnerships and international agreements.' 'Likewise, ZainTECH's revenue growth of 184 percent YoY also witnessed several important milestones this quarter. It launched a new Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) service, helping organizations stay compliant and secure. In Saudi Arabia, ZainTECH was granted a commercial license, allowing it to formalize its regional HQ there, and expand its presence and operations. The entity also joined the NVIDIA Partner Network as a Reseller, one of the few in the region, to bring advanced AI solutions to businesses across its markets.' 'The introduction of our Global M2M offering is a strategic move, capitalizing on our strategic footprint and superior connectivity to position Zain as the regional partner of choice. This service addresses the significant challenges faced by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) operating in or looking to operate in the region. By providing a unified solution that ensures compliance and simplifies connectivity across our extensive network, Zain is empowering the connection of global manufacturers to the Middle East. This will boost the pace of digital transformation of enterprises and governments, driving socio-economic growth across the region.' Al-Kharafi concluded, 'We are confident that the recently launched '4WARD-Progress with Purpose' will unleash Zain's full potential in transforming from a telco to a purpose driven TechCo conglomerate providing 'Better Lives and Lasting Connections'. '4WARD' will provide the necessary impetus for Zain's continued relevance and impact on shaping societies and providing meaningful connectivity and drive the Zain brand value to new heights.' Financial KPIs of key markets for Q1 ended March 31, 2025 KUWAIT: Maintaining its market leadership, the flagship operation's customer base stood at 2.6 million. Q1 2025 revenue was slightly higher at KD 94 million ($303 million), EBITDA increased 2 percent to reach KD 32 million ($103 million), representing an EBITDA margin of 34 percent. Net income increased 2 percent to reach KD 18 million ($58 million), for Q1 2025, with data revenue accounting for 36 percent of total revenue. Zain Kuwait is currently preparing to deploy 5.5G services on its network as well as focusing on increasing its postpaid mobile customer base to enhance ARPU through appealing device and data offerings. SAUDI ARABIA: For Q1 2025, revenue grew by 6 percent to $718 million, EBITDA for the period increased 5 percent to reach $217 million, reflecting an EBITDA margin of 30 percent. Net income for the quarter soared 40 percent to reach $25 million. The operator's data revenue grew by 2 percent, representing 39 percent of total revenue, and active customers increased 3 percent to stand at 9 million. The operator witnessed continued growth in 5G and B2B revenue, with Yaqoot - Zain KSA's digital arm witnessing 1 percent growth in revenue, and Tamam, the consumer microfinance arm, witnessing revenue growth of 31 percent, all of which contributed towards the increase in top-line. IARQ: For Q1 2025, revenue grew 13 percent to reach $286 million and EBITDA increased 13 percent to reach $105 million, reflecting an EBITDA margin of 37 percent. Net income for the quarter soared 73 percent to reach $26 million. Customer base increased 11 percent to 20.7 million, reflecting a market leading position, driven by the investment in Tower expansion and monetizing new B2C and B2B products and services. SUDAN: For Q1 2025, Zain Sudan showed strong signs of recovery and growth despite the ongoing challenges in the country. Revenue for the quarter soared 112 percent to reach $107 million, with EBITDA reaching $61 million, up from $12 million last year, an increase of 423 percent, reflecting an EBITDA margin of 57 percent. Net income soared 138 percent to reach $53 million. The operation's exceptional growth across all KPIs was driven by the successful restoration of 1,564 sites, including 219 sites in newly liberated areas of Khartoum. This network recovery saw the customer base more than double, jumping 110 percent YoY from 5.2 million to 11 million in Q1 2025. JORDAN: For Q1 2025, Zain Jordan revenue grew 7 percent to reach $141 million, EBITDA slightly increased to reach $55 million, reflecting an EBITDA margin of 39 percent, with net income increased 8 percent to reach $18 million. Data revenue grew 10 percent on the back of its continually expanding 5G network, representing 53 percent of total revenue. Customer base increased by 5 percent to stand at 4.1 million, maintaining its leading position. BAHRAIN: For Q1 2025, Zain Bahrain revenue grew 8 percent to reach $56 million, an increase of 8 percent, EBITDA reached $14 million, reflecting an EBITDA margin of 26 percent. Net income increased by 10 percent to reach $3.1 million, with data revenue growing 4 percent to represent 44 percent of total revenue. Zain Chairman of the Board Osamah Al-Furaih Zain Vice-Chairman and Group CEO Bader Al-Kharaf Zain headquarters' building.
Daily Tribune
11-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Zain Showcases AI Innovation
TDT| Manama Zain Group has strengthened its position as a digital innovation leader by hosting a three-day 'Data and AI' workshop in Amman, Jordan, in partnership with Cloudera and ZainTECH. The event brought together technology and data experts from across Zain's eight markets in the Middle East and Africa to explore the vast potential of artificial intelligence and data strategies. The workshop aligns with Zain's '4WARD-Progress with Purpose' corporate strategy, aimed at expanding digital capabilities and driving sustainable growth. It particularly focused on the 'Customer Delight' and 'Digital Zain' pillars to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Focus on collaboration Mohammad Al-Marshed, Zain Group Chief Technology Officer, emphasised the transformative impact of AI. 'AI's ability to rapidly and accurately analyse massive amounts of data has emerged as a driving force across industries. This Forum allowed our teams to understand AI's potential and strategise with Cloudera and ZainTECH on its deployment and monetisation,' he said. The first day of the event featured keynotes and insights into the latest industry trends, including demonstrations of Cloudera's advanced AI tools and models. The second day included a Datathon, where teams collaborated to create practical use cases under real-world conditions. Practical innovation showcased The Datathon concluded with presentations to a judging panel. The winning team delivered a full business use case, from concept to demonstration and deployment, within just 48 hours using Cloudera Agent Studio. Zain Group Strategy executives also used the occasion to present the company's Data and AI strategy, which forms a key pillar of the '4WARD-Progress with Purpose' approach. Driving customer excellence Cloudera's hybrid platform plays a central role across Zain's operations, providing data, analytics, and AI capabilities with strong security and scalability. Zain uses AI to optimise network performance, predict equipment failures, and personalise customer experiences, leading to cost savings and reduced downtime. The Data Office at Zain, working closely with ZainTECH, has advanced data governance and standardised frameworks to drive data literacy and customer-focused services across the organisation.
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Zain Group's Data Office holds workshop on the enormous potential and deployment of AI strategies across the mobile and ICT industry
Attended by Zain technology and data-focused talent from across all operations, three-day internal workshop held in partnership with Cloudera and ZainTECH Amman, Jordan – Zain Group, a leading provider of innovative ICT and digital lifestyle services operating in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa, concluded a captivating 'Data and AI' three-day workshop, organized by Zain Group Technology's Data Office team in partnership with Cloudera and ZainTECH, Zain's digital enterprise arm, held last week in Amman, Jordan. A key element of Zain's Group Technology department, the Data Office team has firmly established itself as an AI and Digital Innovation leader by embedding world-class data governance practices and analytics to the heart of Zain's business across the organization. The Forum represented a unique opportunity for Zain's data-focused talent groupwide to collaboratively discuss and elevate innovation and deployment issues related to digital data and AI capabilities, given the growing importance of these technological advancements across all industries, globally. The intention of the workshop was to accelerate the adoption of data and AI in accordance with Zain's '4WARD-Progress with Purpose' strategy, with a particular emphasis on the 'Customer Delight' and 'Digital Zain' pillars. Participants interacted with industry experts and thought leaders, gaining valuable insights into current trends and best practices in data and AI implementation that enhance innovation and improve customer experiences throughout Zain's digital ecosystem. This is set to be achieved through the further development of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, and building out digital infrastructure further. Mohammad Al-Marshed, Zain Group Chief Technology Officer commented, 'AI's ability to rapidly and accurately analyze massive amounts of data has resulted as the latest driving force in many industries, transforming and increasing efficiency on how tasks are undertaken, and decisions are made. This Forum provided our Data Office focused teams at Group and operations the opportunity to understand the true potential of AI across industries and jointly devise strategies with Cloudera and ZainTECH on how to best deploy and monetize it. Zain is serious on driving innovation, improving customer experience and helping business users make the right decisions.' The first day of the Forum focused on theoretical and strategic insights, featuring keynotes, industry trends, and platform overviews, notably learnings of Cloudera's latest advanced AI tools and models. The second day involved hands-on collaboration Datathon exercise, with teams working in breakout groups to develop real-world use cases. The third day was dedicated to showcasing outcomes, as teams presented their solutions to industrial challenges to a judging panel, reinforcing the forum's emphasis on practical application, innovation, and cross-regional synergy. The winning team of the Datathon completed the entire process, from brainstorming a business use case to demonstrating its value and deploying it, incredibly under 48 hours, all while utilizing Cloudera Agent Studio. The occasion also saw Zain Group Strategy executives present the groupwide Data and AI strategy to attendees which forms a key pillar of the company's '4WARD-Progress with Purpose' strategy. Cloudera is the only truly hybrid platform for data, analytics, and AI, and is deployed across all Zain's operations. With 100x more data under management than other cloud-only vendors, Cloudera empowers global enterprises to transform data of all types, on any public or private cloud, into valuable, trusted insights. The company's open data lakehouse delivers scalable and secure data management with portable cloud-native analytics, enabling customers to bring GenAI models to their data while maintaining privacy and ensuring responsible, reliable AI deployments. Within Zain, AI is being used to optimize network performance, personalize customer experiences, and predict equipment failures before they occur, among other things. This has led to higher service quality, less downtime, and overall cost savings for Zain, contributing to business growth and enhancing competitiveness in an ever-changing market. Through its strategic partnership with Cloudera, Zain's Data Office in collaboration with ZainTECH, has been able to eliminate data silos and is taking a holistic approach to analysis across the organization. By standardizing a Data Management framework, facilitating data literacy initiatives, and enforcing data stewardship, Zain's Data Office team fosters a data culture throughout the company that effectively drives innovation, business efficiency and utilization of customer-centric services across Zain.
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ZainTECH secures commercial license in Saudi Arabia
Attaining 'national entity' status empowers ZainTECH to scale its advanced solutions across key sectors of digital IoT, cybersecurity, drones, AI, and cloud services Reinforces company's commitment to Vision 2030 of driving innovation, strategic partnerships, and investment in local talent and digital infrastructure Riyadh, KSA — ZainTECH, the integrated digital solutions provider of Zain Group, has achieved a significant milestone in its regional expansion strategy by securing a commercial license in Saudi Arabia that will pave the way for the entity to set up its regional offices in the Kingdom. This transition from an investment license to a full national entity status cements ZainTECH's long-term commitment to the Kingdom, allowing it to scale its advanced technology solutions across key sectors such as digital IoT, cybersecurity, drones, AI, and cloud services. The strategic move underscores ZainTECH's deep commitment to Saudi Arabia's digital transformation ambitions, fully aligning with Vision 2030. By strengthening its local presence, the company is poised to forge stronger collaborations, drive meaningful innovation, and provide tailor-made solutions that address the evolving needs of businesses and government entities in the Kingdom. Andrew Hanna, CEO of ZainTECH, said: 'Saudi Arabia is a vital market for us, and securing national entity status marks a defining moment in our growth journey. This step facilitates the opening of our regional offices and will allow us to operate with greater agility, contribute to the Kingdom's digital economy, and reinforce our mission to deliver world-class technology solutions that empower businesses and government bodies to better serve the dynamic and digitally savvy local community.' As part of ZainTECH's expansion to the Saudi market, the company is actively exploring strategic partnerships with both public and private sector organizations to accelerate the adoption of next-generation solutions that enhance efficiency, security, innovation and business resilience. This expansion is also set to create new opportunities for local talent, strengthen the Kingdom's digital infrastructure, and accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies across industries. The commercial license comes on the back of ZainTECH's recent participation at LEAP 25 whereby the company announced a multitude of agreements with local entities including: King Khalid University that aims to revolutionize digital education in the Kingdom; with both Najm Insurance Group and Diamond Policy and its SHAHIN Platform to drive digital transformation, cybersecurity and technological advancements in KSA's insurance sector; as well as with Leejam Sports to drive the future of digital fitness in the Kingdom and beyond. By deepening its footprint in Saudi Arabia, ZainTECH is doubling down on its investment in cutting-edge digital services, reinforcing its role as a key player in the region's technological evolution. With a focus on AI-driven solutions, cloud advancements, and enterprise security, the company is well-positioned to support the Kingdom's vision for a sustainable, technology-driven economy. About ZainTECH ZainTECH is a regional integrated digital solutions provider, unifying Zain Group's ICT assets to offer a unique value proposition of comprehensive digital solutions and services under one roof. The company is positioned to drive the transformation of enterprise and government customers in the MENA region by providing a center of excellence and managed solutions across the ICT stack, including cloud, cybersecurity, modern infrastructure, big data, IoT, AI, smart cities, drones and robotics, and emerging technologies. ZainTECH leverages Zain's global reach, unique regional footprint, and infrastructure across its operations in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as in other key markets in the Middle East. ZainTECH forms a key pillar in the evolution of Zain's core telecom business to maximize value and build on the company's many strengths to selectively create and invest in growth verticals beyond standard mobile services. This ultimately supports Zain's vision of becoming a leading ICT and digital lifestyle provider.
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ZainTECH secures Saudi commercial licence
ZainTECH, the integrated digital solutions provider of Zain Group, said it has achieved a significant milestone in its regional expansion strategy by securing a commercial licence in Saudi Arabia that will pave the way for the entity to set up its regional offices in the kingdom. This transition from an investment licence to a full national entity status cements ZainTECH's long-term commitment to the kingdom, allowing it to scale its advanced technology solutions across key sectors such as digital IoT, cybersecurity, drones, AI, and cloud services, said a statement from ZainTECH. Saudi Arabia is a vital market for ZainTECH, and securing national entity status marks a defining moment in its growth journey. The commercial licence comes on the back of ZainTECH's recent participation at LEAP 25 whereby the company announced a multitude of agreements with local entities including: King Khalid University that aims to revolutionise digital education; with both Najm Insurance Group and Diamond Policy and its Shahin Platform to drive digital transformation, cybersecurity and technological advancements in KSA's insurance sector; as well as with Leejam Sports to drive the future of digital fitness in the Kingdom and beyond. This step facilitates the opening of regional offices and will allow the company to operate with greater agility, contribute to the kingdom's digital economy, and reinforce its mission to deliver world-class technology solutions that empower businesses and government bodies to better serve the dynamic and digitally savvy local community. The strategic move underscores ZainTECH's deep commitment to Saudi Arabia's digital transformation ambitions, fully aligning with Vision 2030, said the statement. By strengthening its local presence, the company is poised to forge stronger collaborations, drive meaningful innovation, and provide tailor-made solutions that address the evolving needs of businesses and government entities in KSA, it stated. As part of ZainTECH's expansion to the Saudi market, the company is actively exploring strategic partnerships with both public and private sector organizations to accelerate the adoption of next-generation solutions that enhance efficiency, security, innovation and business resilience. This expansion is also set to create new opportunities for local talent, strengthen the kingdom's digital infrastructure, and accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies across industries. "By deepening its footprint in Saudi Arabia, ZainTECH is doubling down on its investment in cutting-edge digital services, reinforcing its role as a key player in the region's technological evolution," said a company spokesman. ZainTECH, he stated, has cemented its position as a leading ICT digital solutions provider to enterprises and government bodies across the MEA region. "With a focus on AI-driven solutions, cloud advancements, and enterprise security, the company is well-positioned to support the Kingdom's vision for a sustainable, technology-driven economy," he added.- TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
